The Mainova IRONMAN European Championship course in Frankfurt is one of the most spectator-dense bike courses on the IRONMAN race circuit. It also boasts one of the most historical finish lines in the sport, ending in the heart of the old city. Visitors to the area can enjoy visting historical places such as the Römer, Paulskirche (Church), Frankfurt Zoological Garden, Goethe Museum, the old Opera House, several museums, and Alt Sachsenhausen.

Athletes begin their day with a 3.8 km swim course in the quiet waters of the Langener Waldsee. The two-loop course has a short run between the laps. The water temperature is usually between 22°C and 24°C. The two-loop bike course guides athletes through the middle of Frankfurt, and into surrounding small villages. The course, which is closed to traffic, is hilly and challenging, mixed with some flat sections. Thousands of spectators come out to cheer for the athletes over the 185 km bike course. The 42 km flat run course consists of four fast laps, which allows athlete to reach their best marathon times. The run course is lined with thousands of spectators who gather along the promenande next to the river.